On Monday night, the London Borough of Harrow voted in favour of granting planning consent for the 236-place primary school, on Camrose Avenue, Edgware.

The I-Foundation says: "Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about their children losing touch with their culture and religion.

"Many feel the need for educating children not only with academics but also with firm grounding in their spiritual and cultural values.

"The voluntary aided Hindu primary school will be dedicated to developing each child's full potential spiritually, morally and academically.

"Its vision is to deliver a high standard of education within a spiritual atmosphere, preparing students to become individuals of good character, discipline and competence."

The group also wants to build a Hindu school in Leicester.

Parental demand

On Monday, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls pledged his support for the principle of faith schools, saying they could raise standards in poorer areas.

At a conference in London, he presented a joint policy statement with Church of England, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Greek Orthodox and Sikh representatives.

Mr Balls committed the government to opening more faith schools where was demand from the local community - and the faith groups pledged their support for social cohesion and the principle of fair admissions.

In particular, this could mean an expansion in the number of Muslim schools.